Do you feel like having a great weekend? If yes, then it is time to hit the road for a long-distance vacation. But you have to plan things in advance for your safety. On that note, make sure to prepare a to-do list to check off everything to make the experience less stressful, cost-effective, and more fun.
The following tips will help you get a better idea of what you should bring and what potential aspects of your vehicle you should check on before leaving for the trip.
Read on to learn more.
Take Your Car to the Mechanic
If you own a car, then you must surely be planning for the road trip on your car. On that note, if you live a busy lifestyle and forget to check up on your car’s routine maintenance schedule, then it is never too late to start. So, when a road trip is on the calendar, what you need to do is take your car to the mechanic first.
Ask your car mechanic to evaluate the following aspects of your vehicle:
- Tire pressure
- Fluid levels
- Headlights
- Wiper blades
- HVAC system
- Oil changes
- Battery changes
- Tire rotations
Usually, many of these things are included for a specific period of time after the purchase of your car. On that note, if you are rocking a shiny new ride, you must ensure to take advantage of this aspect of getting car maintenance for free for a specific period of time.
Take Care of Your Kids
If you are planning to go on a road trip with your kids, make sure to follow the law, which states that all children under the age of thirteen are supposed to ride in the backseat. Also, if children are younger, such as toddlers, make sure that they are in an appropriate car seat.
As a parent or primary caretaker, you must be aware of the added risks that can arise in warm climates. For instance, if you are planning a road trip in the warmest season of the year, you should know that potentially fatal heat strokes can occur when kids are left unattended in a parked vehicle.
So, obviously, you will be going on breaks, but you should never leave your child unattended in the car. Always check your backseat if your car doesn’t have a rear-seat reminder feature. Keep in mind that you want this trip to be a fun trip to make memories, which is why safety always comes first – not only your safety but also the safety of your kids and pets if they are going with you.
Always Pack Safety and First-Aid Kits First
Things can go wrong on drives of any distance, but you definitely don’t want to be a hundred miles away from home without items that ensure safety in emergency situations. We are talking about first-aid kits, a flashlight, a jack for tire changes, jumper cables, and even non-perishable foods.
Tell someone back home where you are planning to go so they can keep checking on you. Also, you must keep power banks with you so you can keep your phones charged at all times. On that note, think about all the possible things that you might need if you find yourself in a sticky situation. The right items could save you an urgent call to the police station or tow truck.
Speaking of police, make sure you are well-rested so that you can stay mentally alert while you are behind the wheel of your car. If you doze off, you can put everyone’s safety at a high risk.
However, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. If you get into an accident and you aren’t at fault, you should get in touch with an attorney right away, such as the Charleston Bus Accident Lawyers; that is, if you live in Charleston, and your vehicle has been hit by a bus without you being at fault.
Usually, buses and trucks are heavily protected by insurance companies, which is why it is in your best interest to leave things in the hands of a trustworthy lawyer who will protect you from the insurance agents and help you reach a settlement that is entirely in your favor.
Prepare for Contingency
When you prepare for a road trip, you should prepare yourself for any contingency as well. Understandably, your cell phone is the most critical emergency item as it allows you to call for help whenever and wherever you need it.
So, even though your car might offer a built-in wireless charger, remember to bring the things necessary to keep your phone charged at all times.
Whether you are using your personal car or you are renting one for the purpose of a trip, you must familiarize yourself with the different types of driver assists and features that you can use before you hit the road.
On that note, plug in your trip coordinates beforehand and make sure to set up Apple carplay or Android auto integration if you have the option. The thing is that Google Maps and Apple Maps are going to be way more reliable in getting you to your precise destination the quickest way.
Make sure to have them integrated within your vehicle’s dashboard to make the road trip easier and safer.
Keep Checking the Gas Prices
If you are planning a road trip around a particular holiday, make sure to check the gas prices along your route, as they can rise with an increase in traffic. There will be other people and their families traveling in SUVs and RVs, which is why the costs of long road trips will add up.
On that note, you should know in advance where the most affordable rest stops are. Now is the time to hit the road, as you have gotten all the tips that you need to ensure you stay safe and happy when you are on the roads.
Don’t forget to prepare healthy snacks and keep your refillable water bottles with you so you don’t need to buy water at every stop on your way.
